Ada: The Ada East District Health Directorate has revealed that the inconsistent supply of premix fuel to coastal communities is significantly hindering health outreach programmes in the district's island regions. Rev. Dr Hubert Hounkpatin, the Ada East District Director of Health Services, highlighted these issues during the launch of the 2025 Annual African Vaccination and Child Health Promotion Week.
According to Ghana News Agency, Rev. Dr Hounkpatin urged the government to ensure a steady supply of premix fuel to support health outreach services and home visits across the over 32 island communities along the Lake Volta estuary. He emphasized that logistical challenges are severely affecting routine immunisation, child health interventions, and other essential services in these remote coastal and island communities. The absence of a reliable premix fuel supply has made it difficult for health teams to reach vulnerable populations, impacting the timeliness and quality of care, especially for children under five.
Rev. Dr Hounkpatin explained that despite having four service boats, the directorate's operations are severely hampered by fuel shortages and maintenance challenges. Currently, only one of two functioning boats is operational due to the high cost of premix fuel, while the other two require major repairs. He noted that although traditional leaders in Padiatorkope have collaborated with the Directorate to secure subsidised premix fuel supplies locally, broader support from stakeholders, including local government, development partners, and the private sector, is necessary.
He called on community leaders and organisations to 'adopt' island communities to help sustain outreach activities, which include vaccination drives, maternal health services, and health education initiatives. Rev. Dr Hounkpatin affirmed the Ghana Health Service in Ada's commitment to fulfilling its mandate, emphasizing the need for strengthened collaboration from traditional authorities, civil society, and partners to overcome logistical barriers.
Additionally, Rev. Dr Hounkpatin used the occasion to inform carers about the integration of the second dose of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV2) into routine immunisation services, underscoring its importance in safeguarding children against life-threatening diseases.
Madam Faustina Blewusi, the Ada East District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), urged parents and carers to prioritize their children's health as a fundamental right, alongside survival, development, and protection. Known as Mama Megbenya II, she highlighted the necessity for parents and caregivers to fulfill their responsibilities, emphasizing that children have the right to good health, including nutrition, clothing, and shelter.
Madam Blewusi stated that the NCCE would assist the health directorate in raising public awareness of child health services during the African Vaccination and Child Health Promotion Week. She pledged to reach markets, churches, schools, and media outlets to educate the public on the importance of ensuring proper healthcare for children. She encouraged parents to engage with health officials to secure a healthy future for their children, cautioning against self-medication practices that could jeopardize children's health and well-being.
Mrs Blewusi also advocated for maintaining positive relationships with health officials to ensure accessible support for healthy living for families.